Wave-packet theory of coherent carrier dynamics in a semiconductor superlattice

An investigation of coherent carrier dynamics in optically excited, semiconductor superlattices is presented. A k⋅p, local pseudopotential method is used for the band-structure calculation. The coherent dynamics are described in a wave-packet formalism similar to that applied in atomic systems. The method is then applied to specific quantum-well and superlattice systems. The results of the formalism in these examples are consistent with experimental studies in similar systems. Coherent dynamics analogous to those seen in atomic systems are predicted in semiconductor systems. These phenomena include the decay and revival of the wave packet.